This route is a 64 mile, waymarked footpath from Christchurch to Stourhead in Wiltshire.

The route, which originally finished at Sturminster Marshall, is now a 64 mile long-distance walk that follows the River Stour from the sea at Christchurch and the Norman splendour of Christchurch Priory to the river’s source at the National Trust-owned Stourhead.

The River Stour meanders through the Dorset countryside creating a variety of habitats for wildlife to enjoy - from fish and dragonflies to kingfishers and otters. With beautiful views of old mills and bridges to see on the way, and towns and villages steeped with history to explore, this easily-walked footpath will help you to discover the hidden charms of Dorset. The new leaflet about the route tells you more about the area, with sections about wildlife, Romans, history, mills and bridges, as well as some interesting facts about the nearby settlements.

Passing close to the towns of Christchurch, Wimborne Minster, Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton, the Stour Valley Way is clearly waymarked with a distinctive kingfisher logo. To help you find your way, we suggest you take along the relevant Ordnance Survey maps (Outdoor Leisure 22 and Explorer 118 for the southern section, and Explorer 117, 129 and 142 for the northern section).

You are advised to wear stout footwear for walking the Stour Valley Way due to its proximity to the river. Please remember that during the winter months, sections of this route may well be flooded.

Hengistbury Head

 Archaeological digs have revealed much about the early history of Hengistbury Head, including 2 camps and several Bronze Age (200-600BC) burial grounds.  The name Hengistbury derives from the Old English ‘Hednesburia’, probably meaning ‘Stone Horse Hill’, due to the shape of the headland.

 Hengistbury Head has a long and varied history and was probably inhabited continuously from Stone Age to Roman times.  Until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the early 5th Century AD, it was one of the busiest ports in the country.  The Double Dykes are an Iron Age defence to protect the landward access to the peninsular fort.  The area is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve.

Throop Mill

 Throop Mill was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but there has probably been a mill on the site since Saxon times.  Ancient stones foundations have been discovered in the existing mill, along with coins from the reigns of George III and IV, as well as Spanish and Portuguese coins.  The present building dates from the turn of the 20th Century and, although now disused, contains some fine early 20th Century milling machinery.

 Iford Bridge

 Iford has had a number of bridges since the stone bridge mentioned in the documents of 1140, and was once a ford crossing an eye or island in the river.  In 1932 the Stour was diverted slightly and the new road bridge was built, leaving the older bridge dating back to 1784 standing over the river’s former course.